Site Announcement: Back at it!

So Dee has gone back to work, and the blogging died down a bit, but not to worry more is slated to come.  We are working on a new batch of reviews, please check out the updated recent eats to see some of the backlog.

In the meantime a few good links to check out:

• Westchester Magazine's Best New Restaurants 2012, by Julie Sexton
• Behind the scenes at Tarry Lodge, by Patrice Costa
• The weekly notes from the Captain Lawrence Tasting Room, by Michael Malone
• Recent review of our fav Bar Taco at westchesterfoodie.com

Hoping to get some new  reviews up soon.

Enjoy the Dee-licious Eats!

Italian Kitchen - August 13, 2012

Sometimes you are not sure what you want to eat, but you are clear that you want a new place. Chris and I decided to try Italian Kitchen. Be warned, that you have to be on the lookout for it, because the storefront itself is small; however, the restaurant is rather deep.

We were greeted and seated by the hostess even though we didn’t have reservations. I believe if I were going to go back, I would make reservations (easy enough – they’re on open table). The waiter made a wine recommendation to Chris and I appreciated that it wasn’t the most expensive wine on the list. It was a nice sign that the recommendation was on taste, not bill. The oil had a good, rich flavor and you were given a single piece of bread, as opposed to a basket.

Frito Misto

I liked that there were a variety of wine appropriate glasses being used, it added to the atmosphere. I did not see the back of the restaurant, but for a Monday night, there was a good crowd. We started off with the Frito Misto and I would not recommend it. Honestly, there was nothing necessarily wrong with the flavors, but it did not contribute to the enjoyment of the meal. The foods were well fried, but needed the sauces, which were very tasty. On a return trip, I would go with the Arancini instead.

Pasta and Pizza

We opted for the Robiola Cheese with Speck and Arugula pizza. It is a square pizza and could work as an appetizer. The cheese was very creamy and tasty. I would highly recommend this pizza. We both enjoyed it. Be warned that there are onions on it, so if you don’t care for onions, speak up. Next, we went for the Cavatelli con Amatriciania, which was a special for the evening. The pasta is home-made and was very flavorful. The sauce had a good amount of spice, as you would hope. Be warned that the menu online does not match the menu in the restaurant. I am not sure if this is because of a “soft opening”, so if the full line up is online and they pick and choose in the restaurant.

For dessert, we tried the panna cotta with blueberry compote. Since there were two of us, they served a “double” portion. I wish this had been explained on the frontend, because I am not a huge dessert eater and just a spoonful would have been a fine close to the meal.

Overall, the food was good and the Italian Kitchen is a great addition to Ardsley. The waiter (yes, only one) seemed a bit overwhelmed at points with eight tables going at once. The meal was a solid first experience and we would probably go again. The fact that you can do online reservations is probably the best part – the sheer ease of the experience.

www.ik-ny.com
Ardsley, NY

Quick Bites - Brazen Fox and Pour Mt. Kisco

Quick Bites (and Drinks)

Brazen Fox – Although a large part of the reason I was there were the mai tais, the food is pretty decent. We started with the Korean BBQ Tacos. Neither of us had ever had them and we did enjoy them thoroughly. Granted, there was a terribly long wait for them. The manager did come by and apologize, which was nice. Chris had the Chipotle Chicken wrap and I had the Buffalo Chicken wrap. They were tasty. They have many weekday specials and are worth the look.

Pour, Mt. Kisco – So, we stopped in for a quick nightcap. After a few glasses of well-chosen wine, James treated us to a taste of the Greenhook Ginsmiths Beach Plum gin. This stuff is absolutely fantastic. As I have said so many times before, do not get scared by the menu, just let them know what types of mainstream things you like and James will find what you want. I suggest getting a plum Collins, as I know I will when I return.

The Cookery - Brunch, August 12, 2012

I am not sure if there are any more positive words I can express towards The Cookery, but the word “food-gasm” was used several times during brunch.  For $24 per person, you can enjoy a 3 course brunch with a complimentary mimosa, bellini or bloody mary. 

Upon entering the restaurant, we were told we could sit where we wanted.  We opted for a two-person table in the dining room.  We had our water and bread with oil in a timely manner.  The restaurant was not crowded, but we were certainly a little early, since it got progressively more crowded as our brunch lingered. 

I started with the mozzarella because, even though there are several things I would like to try, I cannot resist.  The grilled bread was very tasty and complemented the fresh mozzarella and oil well.  Chris went for the buttery, salty potatoes and they were piping hot and flavorful.  The cheese balanced well with the salt. 

Cookery Mozzarella

Buttery Potatoes

For the entrée course, I went with the eggs in purgatory.  I am not a huge pomodoro fan, but this sauce was excellent.  The garlic truly came through, but not in an over-powering way.  The polenta served as a perfect base, absorbing the flavors of the provolone and the pomodoro.  Chris had the crisp heritage pork.  As with my meal, the polenta was a great base and the meal went well.  Everything was very tasty.

For dessert, I had the chocolate polenta (I am such a creature of habit) and Chris had the bread pudding.  Both of us had a taste and Chris had a cup of coffee.  The service was top notch, as always.  The meal was solid and extremely well-paced.  I highly recommend The Cookery, whether you are going to go for dinner or brunch.    

www.thecookeryrestaurant.com

Dobbs Ferry, NY

La Bella Havana, August 3, 2012

Two Words – Unlimited Mojitos!  

La Bella Havana has a fantastic offer on Fridays and it is worth it.  I know, I know, as thought we needed another reason to celebrate a Friday?!?  Keep in mind that I would recommend reservations.  The restaurant may not seem super busy, but they do their best to maximize their small space and it is a very popular place with the popularity only growing.  From 4-6pm, you can get unlimited mojitos, an appetizer and an entrée for only $25.  (Yes, you read that correctly.)

You are greeted by a hostess who seated us quickly.  The waiter came to our table and was very nice.  The back-staff was prompt with water refills (and I appreciate that with how great the mojitos are.)  We both started with classic mojitos that tasted great.  The black bean spread and the plantain chips are a nice starter while looking at the limited Friday menu.  We've eaten here before and the quality was not lessened for the deal, neither were the portions.  For our appetizers, I had the Chorizo Salteado and Chris had the Empanadas.  They both arrived hot and were very flavorful.  The chorizo comes with a wooden utensil to eat it.  For our meals, I went with the Ropa Vieja and Chris had the Vaca Frita.  We were both very happy with our meals.  The shredded skirt steak was perfectly cooked (juicy, hot).  The vaca frita was very tasty and the mojo onions were the perfect accompaniment.  The rice and beans are very tasty.  I want to stress that all the food was hot when it arrived to the table and the flavors were fantastic.  

The mojitos are very tasty.  What I enjoyed was that I was allowed to try a variety of the flavors.  Sometimes places commit you to your first choice, but not LBH.  They also have a variety of contests and deals, so you should check their website for details.  Finally, if you’re just looking for a drink, happy hour is from 4 – 7pm and includes ½ price drink deals.

Overall, this is my number one choice for Cuban fare in Westchester.  Plus, it is easy to find.  A drawback is the parking situation, but be patient, Yonkers will eventually end the construction making this concern a moot point.

www.labellahavana.com

Yonkers, NY

Quick Bites - Havana Central - July 26, 2012

Pros – The empanadas are very tasty (I highly recommend the beef). The happy hour deals are honored in the restaurant. The mojitos are tasty; however, they can be inconsistent.

Cons – The food, even when good, is served warm, not hot. Everything could use a better heating (or possibly re-heating).

Atmosphere – We find the chairs a bit uncomfortable when sitting in the front area. We were able to sit at a booth and that was fine. The chairs on the inside are different and that is a potential positive.

havanacentral.com
Yonkers, NY

Barcelona - Muddled Drink Class - July 24, 2012

Before I even begin to write about our fantastic experience in the “Cocktail Classroom,” I want to send a shout out to Summer Street in Stamford, CT. This little stretch of road is home to so many restaurants that are worth a look. Fortunately, to entertain ourselves before class, we could grab gorditas and mojitos at bartaco right next door.

The class was held in a private room. Gretchen Thomas was her usual great combination of charisma and knowledge. The first cocktail demo was Caipirinha (made in the classic style). The class was interactive – having three volunteers work on each drink. The Aye Cukarumba was very crisp tasting, as long as you like the taste of cucumber. It was a refreshing second drink. We closed with the Hot Dahlia. The habanero-infused tequila added so much spice that it was an interesting close to the night. The drink was spicy and flavorful.

Aye Cukarumba

Chef Scott Quis took us on a tour of Brazil/Portugal with the food accompaniments. The Conch Ceviche was very tasty. Honestly, I added a bit of salt, but that was my personal preference. The Marinated Shrimp was excellent. I liked the flavor, since I like cilantro. The Churrasquinho was extremely tender and flavorful. The Tapioca Olinda was an amazing surprise. I was not expecting a chorizo/cheese final course. This was fantastic. The cough was very tasty and the filling was cooked perfectly. It also paired well with the spicy Hot Dahlia! It is important to note that some of the courses are shared with your neighbors.

Overall, I would highly recommend the class. Gretchen is extremely knowledgeable and gives the class an opportunity to ask questions. The bar staff (at the actual bar and Olivia in the room) were helpful and exhibited skill. The food was very tasty and the cocktails gave us an opportunity to explore flavors that we wouldn't normally opt for at the restaurant.

www.barcelonawinebar.com/stamford.htm

Stamford, CT

MP Taverna, July 18, 2012

So, it was a Wednesday and we wanted a place with a good vibe to grab a good meal. None of us had ever eaten at MP Taverna, but we had heard good things and decided to try it. It has a convenient location near the Irvington train station on the river side. The exterior has a clean, crisp appearance. The outside seating area was not being used because of the weather.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted with a gush of cold air and a pleasant hostess. She seemed a bit bombarded at the time we came in (about 7:30). Several groups came in at once and the area became crowded. We were seated within five minutes of arrival and managed to get a booth. The restaurant area itself has very high, wood ceilings. The booth was very comfortable – enough room, good seats. Our waiter, Roger, introduced himself and was very friendly. The décor was understated while being unified.

For starters, we were with the Spicy Pork Ribs and the Combination Dips. The ribs were well cooked and had a great flavor but were not very spicy. The accompanying smashed fries were perfect. The yogurt and chick pea dips were great. The eggplant could have used a bit more flavor – maybe a spice?

We were a party of four this particular evening and, for entrees, our companions had the Lamb Shank and the Gray Sole with MP salad. They were both happy with their meals. The lamb was extremely tender and fell off the bone. The sole was lightly seasoned, but well done. Chris had the Hanger Steak (medium rare) and Greek Sausage. The sausage was fantastic and the steak was perfectly cooked. And, yes, the smashed fries made their reappearance. I had the Roasted Lemon Chicken, which was well cooked, as were the fingerling potatoes. I wasn’t expecting the whole cloves of garlic. Since I love garlic, this was good for me, but I can see how other people wouldn’t be as pleasantly surprised.

Left column - Lamb, Steak, Sole | Right - Chicken

For dessert, we had the brownie with sesame ice cream. The two flavors really complimented each other and the brownie’s cake was moist and not too dense. It was a nice closing to a very flavorful meal.

Overall, the food is well prepared and presented. I would recommend this place to friends, as long as they check out the menu first. This is not your typical Greek with common options. It is more upscale than the typical gyro joint.


michaelpsilakis.com/mp-taverna/
Dobbs Ferry, NY

Sharpe Hill Vineyard, July 6, 2012

Wine at lunch

So, we had some time to kill and figured that this would be our only opportunity to head to Pomfret (and we were glad that we did).

Upon driving up to the property, you are greeted with a very interesting fence that would clearly ward off intruders. The property is stunning and really makes a perfect backdrop for a lovely day if wining.  Entering the tasting area, we were told that we had lucked into a lunch seating and could split our tasting around the meal. The staff was knowledgeable and the outside bar/tasting set-up was nice.  They watched the time for us (helpful) and we made our 12:30 seating.

Shrimp Creole at Sharpe Hill Vineyard

For lunch, Chris had the Shrimp Creole and I had the Chicken with Herbs de Provence. Chris enjoyed his shrimp and they had a bit of heat to them, which is nice. The chicken was beautifully seasoned and all of the herbs (including some flowers) that were on the plate are edible. Our waitress was attentive and nice. Her engagement level was fine by certainly paled in comparison to out taster/bartender. To complement our meal, we opted for a bottle of Ballet of Angels, which was lovely. The temperature was perfect and we ended up buying two bottles for home.

After the meal, we continued our tasting. The whole place was nicely appointed. The bathroom was very kitschy and shouldn’t be missed. Reservations are highly recommended and often require a deposit. This is a nice place to go for a quiet meal or an afternoon out with friends. The seatings are timed by the restaurant, so you never feel rushed out. Overall, the food and wine are both tasty. You can easily make a day out of the trip.

Melon snack at Sharpe Hill Vineyards

sharpehill.com

Pomfret, CT

Part of the CT Wine Trail

Heritage Trail Vineyards, July 5, 2012

Heritage Trail Wine

“Why is everything here called Heritage?”….wait, that was last time.

Okay, the wine is satisfactory. I am never compelled to buy (or drink) a bottle but the trip is still worthwhile. I enjoy the full pairing where I get to enjoy a variety of cheeses and accoutrements, as well as a taste of the wines. The pizza is very tasty and the staff is always enjoyable.

I believe that we come here just as much for the snacks as we do the wine, which is fine. It is a casual eatery that also serves wine – enjoy it for what it is!

Heritage Trail Vineyards, Dining Room

www.heritagetrail.com

Lisbon, CT

Part of the CT Wine Trail

Ballo, July 5, 2012

While in the casino area, there are many options for dinner. We wanted to try something new and were looking for a nice restaurant. We ended up choosing Ballo at Mohegan Sun. because of pleasant aesthetic and accessible menu.

We were greeted by a nice hostess who gave us options on whether we wanted to sit on the inside or on the “patio”. We opted to go inside. There were some crumbs on my chair, but one quick brush of my hand remedied the situation. Our waitress greeted us pretty quickly and took our drink orders. I had the Toscarita, while Chris had the Sangiovese(s). The waitress was very nice and was able to provide a knowledgeable assessment of both Sangiovese options.

Tagliatelle with Lobster at Ballo

There were several appetizer type foods that interested us and we went with the arancini. There was some good flavor, but they had a bit of a fishy undertone that I didn’t like. We opted for pizza and pasta. For the pizza, we had the carne (and wow, it was carne). There was zero skimping on the meat and (not as though I can believe I am saying it) it was almost too much. The flavors were almost competing with each other. I would suggest a little less meat to make a clean layer as opposed to a pile. For pasta, we went with the tagliatelle with a lobster tail on top.   The fra diavolo had a nice heat to it and the lobster was perfectly cooked, if a bit scary looking.

Overall, the meal went well. The ambience was very nice. The wait staff was knowledgeable and pleasant.

Carne Pizza at Ballo

Arancini at Ballo

www.balloitalian.com

Mohegan Sun Casino

Uncasville, CT

NY Times Review

Westchester Burger Company, June 29, 2012

Just the five of us…

So, we went to the Westchester Burger Company in White Plains. This place is good for a group, including those that include kids. The tables are pretty spacious and comfortably sat five. The plate that greeted me had ketchup on it, which did not make me happy, but I never used that plate so I could overlook it.

Chris had a Captain Lawrence Freshchester and I had Strawberry-Basil Lemonade (with vodka). My drink was very tasty and refreshing. It could have used a bit more lemon flavor in my opinion, but it was very good and showed me not to be afraid of basil in drinks. There were no complaints concerning the sodas (and that is actually impressive since fountain soda can taste less than great).

For meals, the chicken nuggets were enjoyed by the youngest. Two people had the Graziella Burger and like them fine. The presentation of the French fries was cute (in a little metal fryer basket). Chris had the Hangover and said his egg was well-cooked. The onion rings were a nice complement to the food and the sauce had a nice spice. I had the Southwestern. It was very good, especially for a turkey burger. I have found that some places have a tough time seasoning without over-seasoning and they did a really good job.

Our waiter was attentive without being overly present. The support staff did well to clear plates, etc… If you are looking for a good, social place to eat regular burger faire – this could be a place for you. It is a chain restaurant with locations in Mt. Kisco, Rye and White Plains. They also have an extensive shake and dessert menu that we did not partake in.

Overall, the food was better than expected and the service was good. The ketchup in the plate certainly gave me pause, but everything else was very clean. The bathroom is a must see, well the sink area is a must see...

www.westchesterburger.com

White Plains, NY

Buddha, June 28, 2012

A giant Buddha welcomes you as you walk into the restaurant and it is oddly not over the top, even though it is huge. The regular tables are separated from the hibachi tables by a large wall. The bar is also right in the front of the restaurant. It is a very clean and organized layout that suits the restaurant well as it seems, just like the giant Buddha, everything fits together well.

The hostess greeted us and she was very welcoming. Although we were the only hibachi table at the time, she wasn’t annoyed or put off by us coming in on a relatively quiet Thursday night. We sat down and met our waiter so quickly that we hadn’t even chosen our drinks. The kids, we went with my niece and nephew, had the Japanese sodas and Chris had a Kirin Light and I had a Mai Tai. (These are quickly becoming my favorite drink for the summer.)

Hibachi is hibachi. There are just slight variations on what you are going to get. We started with the soup and salad. I would put their soup on the better end of the spectrum and the salad was fine. The ginger dressing had a good consistency, but could’ve used a bit more spice (?). Their dipping sauces are flavorful. I like the ginger sauce so much that I go for two of them. The mustard almost has a bit of a sweet taste, which makes it tasty, but not spicy.

The cook was very entertaining and had decent accuracy as he launched zucchini at our mouths. Even though we were only a group of four, he did a great job of engaging us. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant. The volcano is definitely my nephew’s favorite point and his eyes lit up brilliantly. The portions were large even for a hibachi restaurant. Everything had a good flavor and was certainly above average as far as hibachi places in Westchester are concerned.

Anyone going to a hibachi place knows what they are going to get and you can only hope that you are there on a good night were the food is tasty. This particular evening, we were all very lucky to enjoy an entertaining show, as well as good drinks and food.

Buddha (no website)

(914) 481-4651

Rye, NY

Tarry Lodge Westport, June 17, 2012

Pizza, Pizza!

So, we have enjoyed the Tarry Lodge in Port Chester several times and this would be our first visit to the one in Westport, CT. The design of the restaurant was very similar to Port Chester. The overall color scheme and décor were the same, with this one being significantly smaller. There are two bars here – one is a pizza bar. The menu has some variations with an emphasis on pizza. The hostess was nice and gave a solid first impression.

We were sat next to a large, open window. We had a good view of the place. To start, our companions had the Tricolore Salad, which they loved and we had the Crostini Toscana. Chris liked it. I found it a bit bland. I would have preferred it be served warm and possibly with some fresh ground pepper. The bread was very tasty and the accompanying vegetables helped the flavor.

For our main course, we went for two pizzas and pasta. For the pizzas, we knew we would be eating the Prosciutto and Arugula (as we have loved it in Port Chester). We asked the waiter about the Burrata with Pancetta and Chili oil and he claimed it wasn’t spicy. I am not sure if he has ever eaten it, but there was certainly heat. Even with the heat, I did really enjoy the Burrata pizza and hope that it will make it to the Port Chester menu. For the pasta, we went with the Spaghetti alla Carbonara, which is possibly the best carbonara I have ever eaten and I love carbonara.

For dessert, we went for the Panacotta, Tiramisu and the Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake. The tiramisu was very good and had distinct notes of both rum and coffee. The entire desert went over well, as did the coffee.

The food was very good, but the service was lacking. Our waiter seemed very distracted and we rarely saw him, even though there were questions. If the waiter support staff is going to have to field questions, they need more vigorous training. The “back-waiter” was excellent and made sure that we had a constant supply of water and bread, even though he had a hiccup with the timing of utensils and whatnot. I feel that the Tarry Lodge in Port Chester is significantly better than the Westport location as far as service is concerned. The service was certainly a disappointment at this establishment. The food, however, was very tasty and as long as you can overlook being potentially overlooked, it can be worth the trip.

Tarry Lodge Westport

Westport, CT

Pour, Mount Kisco - June 22, 2012

A lovely way to end an evening… 

We stopped at Pour in a very roundabout way of getting home. There were no seats at the bar (good for them, bad for us), so we took a perfect corner seat. We prefer to sit at the bar to chat with James and Anthony, but the selection and ambiance are perfect no matter when you sit. 

I opted for white to start and Chris went red. He had the Cuvee 12.5 and he always loves it. I had the Cuvee Gyotaku (that elicited an “interesting” from James who dubbed it a “French sushi wine”) and it popped as I sipped it. The table next to us ordered the chick pea bites (and they are always amazing and I highly recommend them, even though we didn’t go for them on this particular occasion). 

For round two, Chris went with the Syrocco, a Moroccan syrah, and I had the Cotes de Rhone Blanc at James’s suggestion. You should probably know that I often go for dealer’s choice when I am drinking, especially if I have the utmost faith in the guy behind the bar! To finish the evening, I went with the Dolcetto and Chris had the Cahors. The “old vines” treated Chris well and the Dolcetto was a nice finish. 

I do not have to gush over how happy we both were with our wines. Everything that is served here is great. Be honest and describe something that you normally enjoy and James will guide you through the wine list. Do not fear if you are not into wine – they are excellent mixologists, too; recently named the 2012 Best of Westchester Award winner for their "all-star whiskey lineup!"

I highly recommend visiting Pour if you are looking for a cozy environment of quiet conversation or a lively girls’ night, because it is so versatile that you can make the night your own. 

Wine by candlelight at Pour Mt. Kisco

www.pourmtkisco.com

Mount Kisco, NY

Saturday Quick Bites - June 23, 2012

It started off with a trip to the Hastings-on-Hudson Farmers’ Market to get a breakfast pizza. The Cookery’s mobile extension – DoughNation was there serving up treats. The pizza was perfectly cooked with duck sausage and an egg. I believe there were caramelized onions on it, which provided a bit of a sweet taste. It was so good and yes, a breakfast pizza.

Next stop was Brazen Fox (White Plains) for lunch. I ordered the goat cheese pear salad. There is nothing wrong with the salad; I just learned that I am not the biggest fan of goat cheese. I think a different cheese would’ve made it better for me. It was too creamy, but not like a burrata – it just left an odd texture in my mouth and I am not a fan of odd. The service was a bit shaky and I was disappointed since I go there very often and rarely have complaints.

Finally, dinner at Chez Giza…to start we made a fantastic arugula salad that had cucumbers, pickles, mushrooms, tomatoes, Romano cheese and prosciutto (thank you farmers’ market). It was a fantastic salad that turned into a dinner salad. The home prepared meal was so tasty and I look forward to utilizing more and more arugula this summer!

Arugula and prosciutto salad

Mulberry Street - June 22, 2012

So, a run of the mill experience…

Mulberry Street has a beautiful sign and has really added an aesthetic to the corner, but the appearance might be the strongest thing brought to the table here.

Okay, maybe that was harsh – the mozzarella and tomato was pretty good. It could certainly use some balsamic vinegar and fresh mozzarella, but it was fine. The wait staff was excellent and the hostess did a fantastic job at table management. The drinks were fine and if I were looking for a quick drink and (maybe) a snack, this would be great.

However, since we were hoping for good to great pizza in a local-ish area, this place fell short. The pizza was on par (or below) with my local pizzeria (big shout-out to Capri that rarely disappoints and provides a great bang for the buck). Throwing some jalapeño-esque peppers on a pizza with sweet sausage doesn’t make for hot and sweet – it makes for okay. I think additional mozzarella would helped the ricotta balance. The pasta was tasty, but seemed as though spaghetti was being passed off as bucatini (no center hole). Plus, onions are not a substitute for flavor.

If you are in the area and are just looking for a quick something, it can be an option (but there are many quick eats options all along Mamaroneck). If you are looking for something very special, keep looking. The food was average and one of the biggest pluses was the “family” style potential portions. Again, nice atmosphere (even though it got loud) and the wait staff were polite and attentive. The food is clearly playing to the family crowd by trying to please all, but in my opinion it can use an improvement.

I had high hopes and we shall see what happens here. In the meantime check out their happy hour, weekdays from 5pm to 8pm, which offers some great specials at the bar - $3 Beers, $4 Wines & $5 Mixed Drinks.

www.mulberrystreetwp.com/home

White Plains, NY

Guadalajara - June 4, 2012

Sometimes Mondays are actually Margarita Mondays!

So, off we go to Guadalajara. Honestly, this may have been one of my very best experiences at the restaurant. I do generally find it incredibly crowded, pretty loud and over-priced; however, this time the atmosphere was calm and quiet. Granted, the restaurant was empty, but I like it like this!

I was served a very cool flaming margarita (and I am not above admitting that I had a heck of a time putting the flame out). The food was average. I would like to see a spicy option on the menu. Chris asked for hot sauce for his food (burrito?) and it was great. It seemed like something homemade and I wish they sold it.

My drink was great and the food was average, but above average once the hot sauce was added. The service was impeccable. The atmosphere is very nice and we saw a birthday celebration that was pretty hilarious. Overall, it was a great time.

www.guadalajaramexny.com
Briarcliff Manor, NY

Lolita Mexican - June 2, 2012

I was thrilled to see that this tasty spot was now on opentable.com and that smaller parties were able to make reservations. I only hope that cb5 decides to make one of the river-towns their next home!

The hostess was pleasant, even if a bit uncomfortable and possibly confused. I wonder how many people flake on their reservations, but we try not to do that (she almost seemed surprised when we showed up). We were seated above the bar. My chair was even more rickety than usual, so I made a quick swap (and no one seemed to mind).

Any meal that begins with fantastically presented grapefruit granita and a shot of tequila sounds lovely to me! There are so many great drink choices, but we went for a mojito (Chris) and an eponymous margarita (me). The warm chips came with a few tasty salsas (that are more closely characterized as dips). All three are fantastic. I would be more detailed, but I don’t want to sway you in any particular direction. Our waiter was very attentive and I found him to be the right combination of knowledgeable and patient. His support team was very effective. Our plates were cleared, water glasses refilled, etc…in a very timely manner.

To start, we had the spinach and cheese quesadilla. Ever since the first time we had this tasty treat, it has never disappointed. The spinach is not over-powering and the cheese is a nice compliment. I like to put the hot, mango (red bottle) sauce on them.

For the main course, Chris had the carne asada and I had the garlic lime chicken. I am somewhat wary of chicken when I eat out (and I am told that I make this comment every time I eat chicken), but this was fantastic. The skin was even tasty. The accompanying side was well cooked and had absorbed some good flavors. Chris was also happy with his food. The carne asada is not as spicy as the pollo asada, which has a great flavor if you enjoy hot vinegar. The corn bread side was probably the highlight of the main meal, even though I enjoyed my food. It has such great flavor and would be worth the trip alone.

We didn’t have dessert on this trip. We tried their cupcakes once and they were okay (just okay), so we opted to wait for the cotton candy. The bill comes with little Lolita tattoos (and the aforementioned cotton candy in a green apple flavor).

As a side note, interestingly enough, I am often disappointed with the restroom. For such a funky place, it could certainly be better decorated. Putting chalk out for decorative purposes is nice, but much more could’ve been done to add to the ambiance.

Overall, I always enjoy Lolita (and it is not only because of the drinks). The hostesses are generally nice, even if they seemed a little bothered to be there. The waiters are excellent and seem as though they’d be best suited handing you screenplays, rather than plates. The place is not for you if you want a quite night. There is a bustling bar scene and you can often find large parties chatting it up in the dining room.

lolitamexican.com

Greenwich, CT 

Half Moon (Patio) - May 28, 2012

We opted for a stop at Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry on the way home from a Memorial Day happy hour. We walked up to the bar and were immediately seated, which was a bit unexpected yet totally welcomed.

Chris and I are aware that the “South Beach” menu is a bit different from the regular menu, but it would be fine for us. We ordered our drinks (mojito and cranberry rose) and after a few minutes were indulging in a drink, watching the sunset over the Hudson River.

To start, we opted for the mini pulled pork buns. Three rather tasty pulled pork “sliders” came out. For our main course, we both went for the Chipotle Caesar (Chris added chicken). The salads were very tasty and there was a good amount of chicken on the salad.

Half Moon is a great spot to go for a quick bite and a nice view while having a drink or two.

harvest2000.com/hmn
Dobbs Ferry, NY

Cooking Class at Don Coqui - May 23, 2012

So, a party of four enrolls for a cooking class at Don Coqui. After several schedule changes, they finally arrive at “Tapas, Sangria & Mojito Party!” Yes, this all began with an email and ended with a great night of fun and tasty food.

First, I will start with some advice…make sure you grab a snack in advance You actually cook what you are going to eat and that takes some time. Also, be prepared that things will not be perfect – you and your classmates are cooking here! Finally, remember that the drinks are unlimited and included, so enjoy.

After a short tutorial from Chef Jack (who is very charismatic and patient), you get assigned a task. Thankfully, we were not on team onion! After peeling and cutting, we noticed that some of the onion choppers were doing an interesting job, so Chris opted to assist. We heard all about Chef Jack's secrets and made a variety of foods.

After many, many drinks and some excellent chatting, it was time for food. We watched as the food was set out and salivated. (starving) The bacalaitos were very salty, but everything else was very good and tasty.

The drinks were great and the food was tasty. The whole experience is determined by the group you are with – as long as you are with people who will have fun, you’ll have fun. I am sure that this is something that I will be interested in doing again – this time, easy on the salt! (And, the best part was that we got the tickets for half off!)

Emmy, Lui and Dee at Don Coqui

www.doncoqui.com

Bar Taco - May 19, 2012

Is the weather nice? Yes. Would you like a drink? Yes. Let’s go to bartaco!

Okay, that might not be exactly how every bartaco related conversation goes, but it is certainly close. Whether you get to sit outside on the Byram River, or if you are surrounded by the nautically themed inside, you are sure to enjoy bartaco. How can you pass up the chance to be served by a small army of blue plaid wearers and dragonfly signaling cards?

The tacos are very tasty and there are not so common options, making the experience that much more fun. Granted, if you do not like raw onions, you should certainly note that on your card. (As for cards, that is how you order your food.) I personally like the beef and the spicy chorizo. Generally, at least one pork al pastor gets ordered for Chris and me, too. The chopped salad is flavorful, as are the quesadillas.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, go for the rice bowl. The rice and meat are flavorful and it is a bit heavier. All that said, no trip to bartaco would be complete without at least two orders of gorditas. The sauce they come with is beyond tasty and I only wish they sold it.

Okay, that was a bit about the food, but let’s shifts over to the drinks. A little while ago, Chris and I were lucky enough to take a tequila class where Gretchen Thomas walked you through a few of the drinks after providing background information. The bartaco margarita is fantastic. If you are lucky enough to sit at the bar, you can watch the formidable bar staff fresh pull the ingredients that go into the drinks. The azteca and rosita were both fine options.

Generally, Chris and I stick with mojitos (or margaritas for me). They strain their mojitos, but if you ask they will leave the mint in there for your enjoyment. Chris was a great bartender and he addressed us (aka the fourth wall), even when it got busy. We chatted about a variety of things as he pulled drinks and served up the tasty snacks!

Bartaco is a great spot for a snack, dinner, or drinks. The fresh ingredients make everything special. The atmosphere is fun, even though everyone takes their roles seriously. I would highly recommend, but it gets very crowded, especially when it is nice out!

www.bartaco.com
Port Chester, NY

The Cookery - May 26, 2012

I am not sure any more great things can be said about “The Cookery,” but I can try.

I will start with the negatives. As someone who often dines in a party of two, there reservation policy is not appealing. I can certainly overlook that the second the fork hits my lips.

Okay, while I will admit that picking a beverage is not a simple task, I opt for the pineapple mojito while Chris goes for a beer (over the usual red wine because something sparked his fancy). The food leaves so many choices, but we cannot resist the “mozzarella made daily, olio novella and grilled Tuscan bread” and the sausage with lentils. I will admit that the bread is a bit burnt and that the tasso ham might be tastier than the sausage, but it was still very amazing.

This is a place where they pace you out, so they want you to order all of your food together. After a great amount of debate (since I love the cauliflower ravioli and Chris seriously considers that steak), we go with the gnocchi and osso bucco. Our waiter (both times we have been there the wait staff has been both charismatic and knowledgeable) cheered both of our selections.

Fortunately, the food was great. The gnocchi, as promised, was light since it was ricotta, not potato. The osso bucco was tasty and the creamy polenta base was a do not miss. It was pretty fun that Chef David DiBari was actually in the kitchen, but he still made his friendly rounds.

No the wowza moment that we even used to sell others on The Cookery while at Pour (fantastic wine bar in Mt. Kisco) – dessert. Although the honey balls were on the daily menu, it is too hard to resist the warm chocolate polenta with pretzels, Slovenian fleur de sel and caramel. I also indulge in the moscato d’asti while Chris enjoys a cup of coffee.

Although there was certainly a need to turn our table, the wait staff never forced our move. The food and drinks were great and the people were very pleasant. This is certainly somewhere where we will return.

And, we look forward to Doughnation!

Visit them at www.thecookeryrestaurant.com
Dobbs Ferry, NY

Anniversary Dinner at Cienega - April 28, 2012

My anniversary dinner every year has a tradition – it must be at a place neither of us has eaten.  This might not sound like a challenge, but for two people who eat out (let’s just say) frequently, it’s tough.  For our seventh year, we looked at many places and even consulted Platt’s list.  After coming to the conclusion that we wanted to stay local, we chose Cienega.

Cienega Restaurant is located at 179 Main Street in New Rochelle.  Although I understood how to enter the restaurant, I chuckled a few times as diners struggled to get in.  (The door is somewhat incognito if you don’t understand where the parking is or that the entrance isn’t off of the nifty patio area.)  The hostess was very nice and sat me even though I arrived solo and a little late. 

The wait staff was attentive and let me know about a special blackberry mojito (yum!).  The small cheesy bread balls were very tasty and they arrived warm.  I think they could be a bit more creative with a flavored butter or a different type of topping (for lack of a better word).   We ordered the Cubanito (crispy pork tenderloin rolls, Swiss cheese, ham, pickle salad) as an appetizer.  It was good, a bit different, but good (only good).  The presentation added to the experience. 

When it came to entrees, I had the Entraña (no surprise there because I would order just about anything with chimichurri!).  The steak was cooked perfectly, but it could’ve used much more chimichurri.  Chris ordered the Half Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken and it was served with two delicious sauces that were needed since the chicken was a bit dry.  But, I often prefer dry to death.  It certainly makes the chicken lover miss Oporto. 

As for drinks, Chris enjoyed the mojitos.  I liked the blackberry mojito (not too sweet with just a hint of the fruit) and really liked the red sangria (I haven’t had a good one since getting back from Spain).  I am convinced that apples are the magical key to solid sangria.  And, yes, the temptation fruit will make appearances in the home-made sangrias this season.

Moscatel

Since dessert was a necessary evil, we ordered the Passion Cotta.  It was very tasty, incredibly adorable and a clear highlight.  The passion fruit sauce was very tart (and I mean very).  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a rich chocolate lover, but their chocolate mousse was worth the exception.  The Moscatel was a nice complement for my dessert and Chris commented that the coffee was fine (he would say if it wasn’t).

The service was very good and the food was quite tasty.  The décor is stylish and felt very clean – good lines, well-polished.  Plate presentation was creative, but not over the top.  If I were to go back, I would order my meal and for it to be more spaced out.  Many places need you to order everything at once, but this is not one of those places.  Overall, we enjoyed our meal but weren't sitting there scheduling out next reservation.  That said, if you want to try it, check out opentable for a reservation early - prime times go fast.

Cienega
New Rochelle, NY